Delicious HistoryPreserving the gleaming elegance of yesteryear in a contemporary way, The Dorrance sets the gold standard for fine dining in Providence. Housed in a grand 19th century bank, with impeccably preserved historical details like stained glass windows and a vault room open for guests to explore, the restaurant is an elegant destination for a romantic evening out or a gathering with friends.

Owned by Jean and Regina Lester, The Dorrance has been making waves on both the local and national culinary scenes since it opened in 2011, landing on Bon Appetit’s Top 50 New Restaurants list, and being nominated for a James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in the Country. Because the stunning restaurant is photo op ready, The Dorrance is a highly sought after location for special events, especially weddings. The space can accommodate up to 375 people.

Executive Chef Alberto Lopez has crafted a menu that’s at once simple, elegant and irresistible. The dinner menu offers curated, artisan foods from Rhode Island and around the globe. Choose from selections like Point Judith Lobster Pappardelle with mushrooms, English peas, native corn and a lobster emulsion, a Grilled Pork Chop with warm peaches and brandy, finished with toasted hazelnuts, or the Citrus Shrimp and Risotto, with Gulf shrimp, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, lemon zest, micro basil, shallots and garlic. The bar menu has fun, casual options like Fries with Cheddar Fondue, and the desserts by Pastry Chef Cassie Borshoff are always creative and seasonal.

A Cocktail SensationNo experience at The Dorrance is complete without a cocktail. As soon as the doors open and until their late-night closing time, their bar is full of patrons who return time and again for The Dorrance’s flavorful libations. Their cocktail menu features inventive, surprising spirits, where no choice is expected and all of them are delicious. The Dorrance is widely regarded as having some of the best in the city.

Some of the cocktails are reinvented takes on old favorites. Take, for example, the Up and Cumber, a drink composed of Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka, St. Elder, lime, simple syrup and Regatta Ginger Beer, which is an elevated form of the classic Moscow Mule. The Mezteca, with El Buho Mezcal, Lunazul Blanco Tequila, pineapple, jalapeño, vanilla and lime, has a similar flavor profile to a margarita, but with a level of sophistication you won’t find in a salt-rimmed glass. The Kentucky Campfire, a smoky evolution of an Old Fashioned, skips the muddled fruit and instead uses Mellow Corn Bottled-in-Bond Whiskey, cinnamon syrup, lemon, orange, Jerry Thomas Bitters and tonic, and is finished with Laphroaig Scotch for an unforgettable combination of flavors. The Dorrance also barrel ages its Manhattans – definitely do not miss those.

The Dorrance also has live music on the weekends. For dinner and dancing, or an after-work tipple with friends, don’t miss this completely unique culinary destination.

Unforgettable Events: The Dorrance is one of the city’s most sought after private event spaces, and can host up to 375 people for weddings and other memorable celebrations.

All That Jazz: On weekends, the lively bar area hosts live music for after-dinner dancing. On Sundays, join them for Jazz Brunch with a two course prix fixe for $25 or three for $35.